(29/8/2019) Freo officially a film friendly city

Fremantle is officially a film friendly city following the adoption of a new Film Friendly City Policy by Fremantle Council.

The policy adopted by the council last night aims to attract more film and television productions to Fremantle by offering reductions in fees and charges, streamlining approvals and providing support with locations and logistics.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the film industry represented a significant economic development opportunity for the city.

“Fremantle is a really attractive destination for film makers because we’ve got a great mix of locations, from beautiful heritage buildings to big industrial warehouses, funky shops and cafes and the river and the ocean,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“We’re also already home to quite a few film-based production companies and we have a lot of talented and creative people who would be an asset on any film set.

“Making a film takes a lot of people and they all need to be fed and have somewhere to sleep, and then there are sets to be built and costumes to be made.

“That all creates local jobs and provides a great opportunity for local businesses.

“And then there are the potential marketing and tourism benefits that come from having Fremantle up on a big screen in front of a national or even international audience.”

The support on offer through the Film Friendly Policy includes having a single point of contact at the City of Fremantle to assist film productions with approvals, advice and local information.

The City will also waive or reduce filming permit fees, provide parking for production vehicles and office space for the production crew and write letters of support to potential funding bodies or other stakeholders.

The level of support offered will be based on criteria such as to what extent the film will promote Fremantle as a visitor destination, the size of the production crew and how long they’ll be based in Fremantle, the number of local jobs created and the production’s potential audience.

A range of film industry stakeholders including Screenwest and film producers were consulted during the development of the policy to ensure the support being offered was relevant and added value to the industry.

The adoption of the Film Friendly Policy follows the successful visit of a delegation of some of China’s leading film production and financing companies earlier this year.

The group was taken on a tour of the city in the Fremantle Tram, taking in locations like South Fremantle, Fremantle Prison, Cappuccino Strip, Esplanade Park, West End and the Round House.

They also visited Leighton Beach, Fremantle Port, the WA Maritime Museum and Rottnest Island and enjoyed sunset drinks at Bathers Beach and dinner at Fishing Boat Harbour.

Two Australian film productions have been shot in Fremantle this year.

I Met a Girl - the story of an impulsive young musician struggling with schizophrenia who falls for a mysterious woman - was shot at various locations in the West End, while Below - a black comedy-drama starring Anthony LaPaglia and Ryan Corr - was shot at Fremantle Prison.